The Vitamin D Receptor and T Cell Function

Abstract

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear, ligand-dependent transcription factor that in complex with hormonally active vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, regulates the expression of more than 900 genes involved in a wide array of physiological functions. The impact of 1,25(OH)2D3-VDR signaling on immune function has been the focus of many recent studies as a link between 1,25(OH)2D3 and susceptibility to various infections and to development of a variety of inflammatory diseases has been suggested. It is also becoming increasingly clear that microbes slow down immune reactivity by dysregulating the VDR ultimately to increase their chance of survival. Immune modulatory therapies that enhance VDR expression and activity are therefore considered in the clinic today to a greater extent. As T cells are of great importance for both protective immunity and development of inflammatory diseases a variety of studies have been engaged investigating the impact of VDR expression in T cells and found that VDR expression and activity plays an important role in both T cell development, differentiation and effector function. In this review we will analyze current knowledge of VDR regulation and function in T cells and discuss its importance for immune activity.

Vitamin D or Flu Vaccine-Benefits over Adverse Effects

“…These actions are mediated by activating vitamin D receptors (VDR) of T-cells [16,17]. It is also becoming increasingly clear that microbes slow down immune reactivity by deregulating the VDR ultimately to increase their chance of survival [18]. Moreover, vitamin D streamlines the inflammatory cascade by regulating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) which is induced by activation of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from pathogens like protozoa, viruses, bacteria, and fungi.…”

Therapeutic and Prophylactic Potential of Vitamin D for Multiple Sclerosis

“…The genomic mechanism is determined by intracellular VDR that heterodimerizes with retinoic X receptor after binding to active VitD. This heterodimer is then translocated to the nucleus leading to activation or inhibition of a vast diversity of genes [5].…”

Vitamin D Nuclear Receptor and Periodontal Disease: A Review

“…The biological activity of Vitamin D is thus dependent both on the adequate production and distribution of 1, 25 (OH) 2 D 3 as well as adequate expression of VDR [1]. In individuals with functioning VDR, 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 has been considered a therapeutic agent for the treatment of periodontal inflammation [43].…”

“…There has been an explosion of scientific evidence which suggests the profound role that vitamin D plays in immune homeostasis. Vitamin D nuclear Receptor (VDR) has been identified as a ligand-dependent transcription factor which, in concert with its endogenous ligand, 1,25 hydroxivitamin D (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ), is involved in the expression of countless genes [1]. In view of recent research which revealed that most immune cells express the vitamin D nuclear receptor (VDR) [2][3][4][5], the authors reviewed the current knowledge regarding the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D through its VDR on peridondontal disease.…”